Fieldnote Feb 21 2023 - 10:56pm

Driving through the small alley of the place where the Amis live felt odd as the modern view on my left - wind turbines, bridges, was a vast contrast from the view on my right which saw village-like houses. This contrast was reinforced by the cultural centre where we had our discussions in. 

We were told about the conflict in management between the city government and the central government, and this made me wonder about how much control and rights do the Amis possess when it comes to decision-making. 

We were introduced to the Amis elderlies in another room where their crafts and artworks were displayed on the walls of the room. Some of their artworks were made out of pringles packages and rolled-up papers. It was revealed that decorating the walls with their art made the place seem more of a "home" instead of a centre for tourism.

The creation of this activity centre - a grey, modern-like concrete building, does not sit well with the houses that the Amis live in, and it seemed to dilute the culture that the tribe has built across the years. This also brings forth another question: While it is necessary to adapt in order to survive, will the introduction of new modern elements water down the value and traditions of the Amis? How can we balance adaptation and preservation?